NASHVILLE — State Sen. Jim Tracy says he is weighing another challenge to U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais in the 4th Congressional District’s GOP primary next year after his heart-stopping 38-vote loss to the South Pittsburg physician in 2014.

Three of four Blackwater Worldwide guards scheduled to be sentenced next month for a 2007 shooting that killed or wounded 31 unarmed Iraqis asked a federal judge for leniency on Monday, saying a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 30 years is unconstitutionally harsh.

Kristi Edington, a Knox County teacher with a son who attends Gresham Middle School, said she likes the idea of moving to what school officials call a balanced calendar but what many refer to as year-round school.

WASHINGTON — The White House announced an aggressive plan Friday to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a mounting problem that causes an estimated 2 million illnesses and 23,000 deaths every year in the United States.

SANAA, Yemen — Saudi jets pounded neighboring Yemen on Thursday and Egyptian warships steamed toward its coast in the start of an Arab-led offensive against Shiite rebels that has become a showdown between the major powers in the Middle East.

WASHINGTON — The House gave sweeping approval Thursday to a bipartisan plan to alter payment systems for Medicare providers and extend a popular children’s health program, fueling momentum for legislation that could soon reach President Barack Obama’s desk.

A National Guard specialist was arrested and charged with attempting to join the Islamic State extremist group and helping his cousin plot a possible terror attack at a U.S. military base in Illinois, federal investigators said Thursday morning.

WASHINGTON — Police in Minneapolis-St. Paul trained military-grade launchers and used flash bang and tear gas grenades on protesters at the 2008 Republican National Convention. The Richland County, S.C., Sheriff’s Department got an armored personnel carrier to help fight drug and gambling crime. And Ohio State University police acquired a 19-ton armored truck that can withstand mine blasts.

WASHINGTON — The White House confirmed Thursday that President Barack Obama will host Pope Francis on Sept. 23, when they will discuss topics including the environment, religious freedom and immigration. It was the latest detail announced about Francis’ fall trip — his first to the United States — which will include a speech to Congress and the United Nations.

After learning of potential violations, city officials have launched a training program among hundreds of people on dozens of boards, committees and commissions to educate them on the state sunshine law regarding public meetings.